Joss Whedon exits DC's planned Batgirl movie

In talking about his depature to the entertainment outlet, Whedon told THR that “Batgirl is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realize I really didn’t have a story,” Whedon explained in reference to DC president Geoff Johns and Warners Picture Group president Toby Emmerich. The BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER creator then added, “I’m grateful to Geoff and Toby and everyone who was so welcoming when I arrived, and so understanding when I… uh, is there a sexier word for ‘failed’?”

According to sources, after a year of trying to get the film up off the ground, Whedon encountered a series of story issues, particularly when faced with the pressures of being a male director on a film related to a femenist icon such as Barbara Gordon aka Batgirl. As such, it would appear that a fear of ridicule and backlash for his efforts is partly responsible for Whedon's exit from the high-profile project. Perhaps now DC Entertainment will look to a female director to helm the solo film featuring one of DC's hippest and smartest characters.

Who would you like to see take over directing duties on DC's BATGIRL? Let us know in the comments section below.